Join us April 16 at 5:30pm for the debut tasting of the wine made from our traditional wine pressing demonstration last autumn. Celebrate Easter and sample this special vintage, while enjoying live music from Armonia Music and complimentary cake, courtesy of Villa Charities. The evening continues with our weekly Ballo Liscio social dancing at 6:30pm.

Learn More

Experience the tastes and traditions of Tuscany at our Taste of Italy dinner on Friday, April 25 at 6:00pm. Enjoy a four-course meal inspired by the region’s rustic, farm-style cuisine, featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients and rich, uncomplicated flavours. Menu curated by Executive Chef Luciano Schipano and presented in partnership with Boccaccio Ristorante Italiano. Check out the dinner menu and reserve your seats today.

Buy Tickets

Join us to honour the Italian Fallen Workers on Monday, April 28 at 3:00pm at the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Wall. On the National Day of Mourning for injured and fallen workers we will remember the more than 1,600 Italian workers who have lost their lives to workplace tragedies in Canada. Villa Charities is proud to be the home of the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Wall, which was unveiled in 2016 in partnership with the Committee for the Italian Fallen Workers Memorial Project. 

Learn More

Discover the delicate art of making ricotta gnocchi in this hands-on Taste of Italy pasta-making class. You’ll learn to shape and roll gnocchi di ricotta by hand, followed by a tasting of Gnocchi al Burro e Salvia—a simple butter and sage sauce that highlights the dish’s rich yet delicate flavour. Participants will take home fresh gnocchi and a printed sauce recipe. This session takes place on Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30pm. Presented in partnership with Chef Luciano Schipano.

Buy Tickets

Join us on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00pm for a free screening of “Transmission and Transformation: An Ethno-Musicological Study of the Italian Canadian Community of Toronto” by musicologist Roberta De Piccoli. Through interviews with individuals from multiple waves of migration, the film explores how music has shaped identity—serving as both a means of integration and a way to preserve ties to Italy. It also examines the challenges of uniting diverse regional backgrounds and how nostalgia and ideas of authenticity influence cultural expression today. A Q&A will follow the screening. Presented in partnership with the Frank Iacobucci Centre for Italian Canadian Studies, University of Toronto.

Register Now

Librissimi - Toronto Italian Book Festival 2025 returns to the Columbus Centre for a weekend of rich literary programming from May 2 – 4, 2025. The festival opens on Friday, May 2 at 7:30pm with “Molise My Home,” as we celebrate the rich heritage of Molise in this unique event. Italian singer/songwriter Lino Rufo will take us on a musical journey to rediscover the poetry of celebrated Molison diaspora author Giose Rimanelli on his centenary. He will be joined on stage by a star-studded line-up of Toronto Molisano talent: award-winning author Nino Ricci, actor Dom Fiore, and singer and filmmaker Andrea Ramolo. Presented in partnership with Librissimi – Toronto Italian Book Festival.

Register Now

From May 5 to 26, visit the Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery to experience “Past Present Future: L’Arte che Scompare / The Disappearing Arts” by Canadian artist Cindi Emond. This four-part series explores endangered cultural arts in Italy—some recognized by UNESCO—through environmental portraiture that reflects Italian heritage, tradition, and national identity in the face of rapid change. Join us for the opening reception on Tuesday, May 6 at 7:00pm.

Learn More

Travel through centuries of Italian history in “Ancient Italian Civilization: A Journey Through the Ages”, a two-part lecture series with author, translator and historian David Pantano. Inspired by Giambattista Vico’s “On the Most Ancient Wisdom of the Italians,” the talks trace Italy’s development from mythic origins to the present day. Along the way, discover the poets, artists, political leaders, military figures, and spiritual thinkers who shaped the Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance eras. Wednesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 20 at Joseph D. Carrier Art Gallery, Columbus Centre.

Register Now

As part of Toronto’s WeeFestival, La Baracca Testoni Ragazzi brings their unique production “Casa (Home)” to the Columbus Centre on Tuesday, May 27. Designed for children ages 1–4, this whimsical, imaginative performance follows two characters as they meet, play, and build a home together—inviting young audiences to reflect, observe, and create meaning through simple gestures and shared stories. Performed in Italian with minimal dialogue. Presented in partnership with Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto and Leonardo Da Vinci Academy.

Register Now

It’s not too late to register for our Italian Immersion Toddler Program at Leonardo Da Vinci Academy! Designed for children aged 1 to 3, this fun-filled program introduces Italian language and culture through play, songs, and engaging activities — led by a genuine Italian instructor with years of experience. Classes run Wednesdays and/or Fridays,

9:00 – 10:00am, at the Columbus Centre.

A parent or guardian must accompany each child. Visit ldva.on.ca or email: admissions@ldva.on.ca to sign up!

Learn More

Book your Friday Chats with Marco! Take the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Marco DeVuono, President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc. to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. Our next meetings will be held on Friday, May 2. Appointments are 20 minutes each, at 11:00am or 2:00pm, and must be scheduled in advance. Contact us today to schedule your in-person or virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 or email iusic@villacharities.com.

Book Your Meeting

In this feature we are proud to shine a light on the members of the Villa Charities Board of Directors. These dedicated volunteers generously give their time, expertise, and passion to guide our organization and support the communities we serve. Learn more about the inspiring individuals who help make our work possible.

Mario Fiorucci

Ex-Officio (Columbus Centre Chair), Villa Charities Inc.

Mario Fiorucci is an entrepreneur, lawyer & technology expert. As a serial entrepreneur, Mario has been through the start-up, growth, and acquisition of companies in retail, e-commerce and real estate development. He has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year by the Toronto Business Development Centre, Excellence in Corporate Responsibility Award by ECR, and inducted into the Ontario Hostelry Institute as a fellow, among other recognitions.

Read Full Bio

Villa Charities’ 18^th Annual Giro Cycling Fundraiser, presented by LiUNA OPDC, is happening on Sunday, May 25, 2025, and we hope you’ll register and ride with us! We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to give our cyclists an amazing experience, and we’re excited to announce that all 2025 Giro participants who achieve the fundraising minimum will receive our exclusive, limited-edition incentives.* Plus, when you raise $300, you’ll be entered into a draw for your chance to win a Bianchi bike—with bonus entries for every additional $50 raised by May 24!**

* Exact items may vary slightly. Villa Charities Foundation reserves the right to substitute incentives of equal or lesser value. ** Conditions apply. See website for full details. 

Register Now

Transform your child from a Minecraft player into a digital engineer! In partnership with Futuretek Academy, this new camp introduces children ages 8 to 12 to Redstone-powered engineering through hands-on projects and guided gameplay. Campers will explore circuit design, logic, and computational thinking, with no prior experience needed - just creativity and enthusiasm. Camps run from June 30 to August 22, 2025.

Learn More

The Columbus Centre School of Music offers private lessons in piano, guitar, violin, voice, drums, and more. Our experienced instructors tailor their approach to each student’s goals—whether learning for fun or preparing for Royal Conservatory of Music exams. Spaces are still available for the spring term. New and returning students are welcome.

Learn More

Swimming lessons are now underway at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club, and registration remains open. Programs are available for all ages and skill levels, following The Lifesaving Society Program. Visit the Membership Office to register.

Learn More

Outdoor tennis and pickleball courts at the Columbus Centre are now open for the season, with daily access from 7:00am to 10:00pm through October 31. An Outdoor Court Membership is required for booking, and registration for the season is now open. Membership is open to Members and Non-Members. Contact fitness@villacharities.com or 416-789-7011 ext. 213 for more information.

Learn More

The Columbus Centre Athletic Club now offers Non-Contact Boxing Classes for both adults and children. Our new Children’s Non-Contact Boxing program (ages 8–12) introduces key techniques through high-energy classes with footwork drills, interactive exercises, and shadowboxing. Kids build strength, coordination, and confidence in a safe, supportive setting. 

The adult program focuses on fitness and technique with a mix of bag work, circuit training, and skill-building drills. Classes are led by national boxing champion Viktoria Penney. Open to all fitness levels.

Learn More

The Columbus Centre Athletic Club offers a selection of low-impact Aquafit classes designed to strengthen muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness. Classes include Deep End Aquafit and Arthritic Aqua Training. Online registration is now open for Members and Non-Members or visit the Membership Office. Classes begin the week of April 14, 2025.

Learn More

Planning a special occasion? Make it memorable with a private pool party at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club. Whether it’s a birthday, social gathering, or just for fun, our pool rentals offer a great time for all ages. Certified staff are on-site to ensure a safe and worry-free experience. Email gungar@villacharities.com for booking details and pricing.

Learn More

The Villa Colombo Toronto Auxiliary (VCTA) is gearing up for its 34^th Annual Golf Tournament at Glen Eagle Golf Club on Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Join us for a day of community and fun, including breakfast, a round of golf, a delicious sit-down lunch, raffle prizes, a silent auction, and a celebration of this year’s tournament champions. Proceeds will support meaningful projects that enhance the lives of residents at Villa Colombo Toronto.

Learn More

At Villa Colombo Vaughan, March was a month of celebration and community spirit! The month began with a Shrove Tuesday pancake feast, followed by a special Mass on Ash Wednesday. On International Women’s Day, the women of the VCV community were honoured with Gerbera flowers and heartfelt recognition.

March 19^th brought the Feast of San Giuseppe, where families and residents gathered for Mass and enjoyed fresh zeppole. The month concluded with the Musica e Memorie Resident Spring Concert, where residents performed beautiful Italian songs after ten weeks of rehearsal. A heartfelt thanks to the staff, volunteers, residents and families who made these memorable celebrations possible!